Examples for nanotechnological applications in the energy sector

Nanotechnology can be applied to the whole value chain of the energy sector: energy sources – energy conversion – energy distribution – energy storage and energy use. The overview of the possible application range of nanotechnology in the energy sector (see Figure 1.7) shows the vast and broad variety of possible products and applications. In this chapter selected examples of nanotechnological applications and innovations are described in detail. It starts with an overview about the possible use of aerogels. The variety of nanotechnology can be particularly exemplified by aerogels. In the field of energy sources and conversion, the current state of technology and market development of the dye solar cell (DSC) technology are presented. Another section deals with the possibility to recover waste heat by the use of nanoscale thermoelectrics. Furthermore nanostructured ceramic membranes are described because membrane technology is discussed to play an important role in future carbon capture and storage (CCS) concepts leading to low CO2 emission power generation. Nanomaterials for energy storage are a matter of another section, followed by three articles in the field of energy use. The first describes nanotechological applications and innovations in construction. The second shows how nanotechnology can be applied to manufacture active windows for daylight-guiding applications. The third focuses on energy efficiency potentials of nanotechnology in production processes.